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SQL Loader

Session Outline
SQL Loader : Description
SQL Loader : Components and Loader Control File
Logical Vs Physical Records
Data Conversion and Record Filtering
Logging Information and Log Files

SQL*Loader
SQL Loader can
Load data from multiple input datafiles
Handle different types of record formats
Manipulate data fields with SQL functions before inserting data into
database columns
Support a wide range of datatypes
Load multiple tables during the same run

SQL Loader
SQL Loader can
Combine multiple physical records into a single logical record
Handle a single physical record as multiple logical records
Thoroughly reports errors
Use high performance direct loads to load data directly into
the database

SQL Loader Components

SQL Loader Components

The basic components of SQL*Loader are:
Loader Control File
Input datafiles
Bad Files
Discard Files
Log Files

SQL Loader Control File

Example :
LOAD DATA
INFILE 'example.dat'
INTO TABLE emp
(empno POSITION(01:04) INTEGER EXTERNAL,
ename POSITION(06:15) CHAR,
job

POSITION(17:25) CHAR,

mgr

POSITION(27:30) INTEGER EXTERNAL,

sal

POSITION(32:39) DECIMAL EXTERNAL,

comm POSITION(41:48) DECIMAL EXTERNAL

Input Data Formats

Fixed Record FormatIn fixed format the data records all have the same fixed length format .That is, every
record is the same fixed length, and the data fields in each record have the same fixed
length, type, and position
Example
LOAD DATA
INFILE 'ulcase2.dat
INTO TABLE emp
(empno

POSITION(01:04) INTEGER EXTERNAL,

ename

POSITION(06:15) CHAR,

job

POSITION(17:25) CHAR,

deptno

POSITION(27:28) INTEGER EXTERNAL)

782 CLARK

MANAGER 10

783 KING

PRESIDENT 10

Logical v/s Physical Records

Distinction Between Logical and Physical Records
A record or line in a file (either of fixed length or terminated) is
considered a physical record whereas a logical record comprises
one or more physical records.Sometimes several physical records
must be combined to make one logical record

SQL*Loader allows you to compose logical records from multiple

records by using continuation fields. Physical records are
combined into a single logical record when some condition of the
continuation field is true

Data Conversion and Datatype

Specification

Discarded and Rejected

Records
Bad File
Bad file contains records rejected by SQL*Loader or by Oracle.
Records are rejected by SQL*Loader when the input format is
invalid
If Oracle determines that the row is valid, then the row is
inserted into the database. If not, the record is rejected and
SQL*Loader puts it into the bad file
Discard File
The discard file contains records that were filtered out of the
load because they did not match any record selection criteria
specified in the control file

Record Filtering

Log File and Logging

Information
When SQL Loader begins execution, it creates a log
file. If it cannot create a log file, execution terminates.
The log file contains a detailed summary of the load,
including a description of any errors that occurred
during the load